The WEST NARA Wide Area Tourism Promotion Council is an organization comprised of eleven organizations: Ikaruga Town (the hub of the organization that is home to the World Cultural Heritage site of Horyu-ji Temple); Yamatokoriyama City; Heguri Town; Sango Town; Ando Town; Oji Town; Ikaruga Town Tourism Association; Yamatokoriyama City Tourism Association; Oji Town Tourism […]

Gifu Prefecture has been a pioneer in Japan in promoting measures that focus on sustainability. For example, in 2007, Gifu Prefecture launched the “Gifu’s Treasures certification project”, and in 2009 initiated the “Hida/Mino Overseas Promotion Strategy” to promote these tourism resources to the rest of the world. Its efforts can be characterized as follows: (1) […]

Empowering Sustainable Tourism through Collaboration The SDG Tourism Task Force Initiative is a powerful platform driving sustainable tourism practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. This innovative program equips destinations with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Key Highlights: -Collaborative Workshops: Interactive sessions bring together stakeholders from governments, NGOs, and the private sector […]

In the serene heart of Japan, where tradition meets nature’s beauty, we unveil a remarkable opportunity that celebrates the artistry of kintsugi and urushi lacquer forestry. After a year of dedicated effort and collaboration with the rural town of Daigo, we announce our first annual Japan travel experience workshop: Experience Urushi Forestry + Kintsugi, scheduled […]

Hailing from Tokyo, Takako Sakai has an extensive background in tourism-related roles, having previously worked with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Hawaii Tourism Japan and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB). Currently serving as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (2022, Feb 16th ~ 2024, Feb 15th), Sakai contributes to Zlatibor Tourism Organization, a mountain resort […]

Yusuke Sugimura, a native of Tokyo, Japan, has dedicated five and a half years of his professional career to fostering tourism and supporting local economies. Working as a municipal employee in the Industrial Promotion Division of Chofu City Office in Tokyo, Sugimura spearheaded projects related to tourism promotion and regional economic development. Sugimura’s current mission […]

The Ulu Ai Tourism Project in Sarawak, Malaysia is a sustainable partnership between tour operator Borneo Adventure and local Iban communities in Sarawak, Malaysia. The project has developed a long-term relationship between hosts and visitors, whereby visitors experience the local community lifestyle on the host’s terms. Started in 1987, tours to Ulu Ai focus on […]

Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development is a non-profit organization based in Musanze, Rwanda, dedicated to fostering positive change and sustainable development within local communities. We are seeking donors, sponsors, and grants to enhance our facilities and expand our impactful programs, including Balister coffee skills training, bakery skills and sugarcane juice making, culinary art programs […]

In 2019, Shirakawa Village was visited by about 2.15 million tourists who came to see its group of traditional houses built in the gassho style (with steep thatched roofs) that are inscribed on the World Heritage list. However, these visits are concentrated in certain districts and time periods and lead to problems in the aspects […]

Minamichita Town is a tourism destination that attracts 2.5 million visitors annually, especially during the summer season. This town is working to solve the local issues of beach beautification, food loss, and traditional food culture on the Utsumi Coast. The activity guideline for local volunteers and others was simple: Pick up visible litter on a […]